Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa, the Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences in Rabat hosted the opening ceremony of the first-ever African Congress dedicated to pediatric cochlear implants on December 12. This landmark event brought together leading specialists from across the African continent, along with international experts, to tackle the medical, scientific, and logistical challenges surrounding childhood hearing loss.
The central focus of the congress was a shared determination to build a robust and sustainable body of African expertise. Participants emphasized the urgent need to expand professional training for healthcare providers and to advance applied research in pediatric audiology. The gathering also highlighted the importance of developing collaborative frameworks that can support long-term innovation and accessibility in hearing care.
Several major agreements were signed during the ceremony, underscoring the strategic ambitions of this initiative. Under the leadership of Princess Lalla Asmaa, two key partnerships were formalized. The first, between the Lalla Asmaa Foundation and the Mohammed VI Foundation for Health and Science, aims to establish joint programs for research, education, and technological innovation related to childhood hearing disorders. The second agreement, signed with the National Fund for Social Welfare Organizations (CNOPS), will ensure better access to cochlear implants for CNOPS-insured patients and their families, with full coverage and reimbursement included.
The congress also recognized outstanding contributions in the field. Dr. Ghita Mechaia was awarded the Princess Lalla Asmaa Prize for Scientific Research for her work on a mobile app designed in Moroccan Arabic. The app is tailored to support children after cochlear implantation by helping them practice and develop their auditory skills through everyday language engagement.
Upon arriving at the university, Princess Lalla Asmaa was greeted with honors by a detachment of the Auxiliary Forces and welcomed by several high-ranking officials, including ministers responsible for Health, Higher Education, Culture, and Solidarity. Also in attendance were the governor of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, local council leaders, representatives of the involved foundations, and members of the academic and institutional community.
Following the official ceremony, the Princess toured the exhibition spaces where companies and tech partners showcased their latest innovations in hearing health. The congress will continue with a series of scientific meetings focused on fostering regional cooperation and developing tailored solutions to improve pediatric hearing care across Africa.
